Well NCBL we are down to the final game of the year and man what a season. Every team battled to reach this point but not everyone can win so it gave an added incentive for the last two teams standing to relish in the moment.
But before I get into the picks I would like to give an official send off to the Mt Sinai and Lighthouse teams. Fellas you had a great season and you should be proud of your accomplishments. No one predicted you would reach this far including myself so kudos on a great season. But as the saying goes we have two more teams going fishing on the Jersey Shores and I hired another boat that will be leaving on Sunday morning.
Flatbush defeated Mt Sinai in a battle to the end and found a way to slow down their attack. Now they have their sights set on the toughest opponent in the tournament and #1 seed White Plains who took care of business against a feisty Lighthouse team. Now the battle is on for the ultimate prize and both teams should come prepared with their armor and weapons as they attempt to take it to the house. Both teams have the players and system to win but the bottom line would be how effective and efficient would both teams be come Saturday. With that said let's take a look at what Milo thinks about this week Championship game.
White Plains vs. Flatbush:
White Plains the #1 seed battles Flatbush #6 Seed for the right to take the crown. Both teams proved to the league that they are the best of the best and now it's for all the marbles. White Plains better known as the "Lunch Takers" have been playing ball all year with an "X" on their backs. Every team whether they admit it or not wanted to beat this team and silence their critics because of the way they win games.
One thing is certain when you are successful in any walk of life people automatically root against you or look for negatives that would further undermine your success. Some people would say that White Plains players are too cocky; well I don't say cocky I say confident, or their roster is full of all-stars that is why they are winning.
Well that might be true but last I looked the players with talent play within a system that promotes success and it's their opponents that have to make stops.
Flatbush played well down the stretch despite some early losses and have the make up to play with the champs. This team is confident and will need to rely on their core group if they are to win this game. Flatbush rise to fame came during the regular season when they lost back to back games to Linden and then White Plains. This team could have simply hung it up and go through the motions but instead they regrouped and with their veteran leadership managed to right their ship just in time for the playoffs.
Now they have one more game and it should be the toughest game they ever played because their opponent knows how to close out teams. Remember White Plains defeated Flatbush by nine points in Week 7 but the game was closer than the score indicated. Flatbush could not buy a basket in the last few minutes of the game and that is where White Plains took charge.
This game will have lots of matchups that are intriguing. Both teams have point guards that could play and it should be interesting to see how well the floor generals control their teams.
Size wise White Plains have that for days and when you think you have them figured out they bring in guards and forwards that can jump through the roof. Flatbush might lack the size of White Plains but they also have heart and play with passion so that aspect should be interesting.
White Plains must be careful because this team is playing much better and you can see the confidence in their play during this playoff run. The question I ask is "can they get consistent stops against this team and can they get good balance from all positions. White Plains have been here before and that should be a huge advantage. Flatbush will have to make sure to play their game and not get passive because White Plains is like a Lion when it smells blood it goes for the kill.
Flatbush has players who have been to the "Big Show" before so they must rely on their experience to weather the storm.
What are the keys to victory for White Plains? Well they must hit the open shots, pressure Flatbush guards into turnovers, control the pace of the game, and out rebound Flatbush on both ends. Flatbush keys to victory are play smart basketball, get good guard play, hit their foul shots, make stops, and get bench contributions. This game will be high scoring and White Plains will push the envelope as much as possible. Can Flatbush play within themselves especially when they are down, or will they fall apart and start pressing?
Flatbush needs a big game from their point guard because it would give Clutch, Gary, Kelsie, and Stanley room to operate. If White Plains gets their way and cause the guards of Flatbush to play passive then this game should be a blow out. If Flatbush could somehow keep it close in the second half then it should be interesting. I like Flatbush because I pick them during the season to make it to this game and hopefully they won't disappoint, but White Plains is going for a perfect season including the playoffs and that alone would be a big incentive this game for them. I know Flatbush will come prepared for battle but my gut tells me that White Plains would find a way to take Flatbush lunch and solidify themselves as one of the greatest teams in NCBL history. White Plains wins this game by 4 points thus claiming the crown.
Well folks that's all for Milo's Championship Pick, players come out and give the fans a show, fans come out and support your teams and let's fellowship with one another. Remember life is full of challenges and cross roads and God gave us the power to choose so make the right choice and don't let others influence you because at the end of the day each individual would have to answer to God. Look out for my post championship write up coming out next week because we have one more team to send fishing.
I would like to thank the league and webmaster for allowing me the opportunity to do the write ups each week. I too was a player and this league holds a special spot in my heart. Also special thanks goes out to the NCBL league, the commissioners, leaders, coaches, players, refs, and fans for all their support during the season. Without your hard efforts and support none of this would be possible. We have come far as a league and the future looks bright so keep pressing and grinding because if one soul comes to Christ as a result of this league then it was worth the struggles. God expects the best for his children and through Christ we are "Sons and Daughters" of the King. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.
From the webmaster: With the help of Mr. Michael Porter we will be streaming this game live for our NCBL fans throughout the world where ever you are. Look for the link on the website on Saturday.
